CHOC Center for Children's Health at UCI Health Irvine
Understanding what drives the need for change
When CHOC Children's Hospital decided to expand into Orange County with a new location at UCI Health Irvine, they faced the unique challenge of creating a 30,000-square-foot healthcare environment that would serve both children and their families. The facility needed to function across multiple medical specialties, each requiring distinct visual identity while maintaining the warmth and comfort that young patients and anxious parents desperately need during medical visits.
The design challenge went beyond typical healthcare furniture requirements. Every surface needed to withstand rigorous cleaning protocols while remaining inviting to children. The space had to accommodate families of all sizes and configurations, from single parents with infants to large extended families supporting a child through treatment. Most importantly, the environment needed to reduce anxiety and create positive associations with healthcare for young patients who might be visiting specialists for the first time.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram's design partnership with CHOC centered on creating a comprehensive furniture ecosystem that would support both clinical efficiency and emotional wellbeing. We developed a color-coordination strategy that aligned furniture finishes with the facility's specialty-based room coding system, helping families navigate the space intuitively while reinforcing each department's visual identity. This thoughtful approach transformed what could have been a sterile clinical environment into a cohesive, navigable space.
For the waiting areas, we specified curved sectional sofas and diverse seating configurations that accommodate everything from a toddler climbing on a parent's lap to teenagers who prefer their own space. Every piece was selected for its ability to withstand hospital-grade cleaning while maintaining the bright, welcoming aesthetic that helps children feel more at ease. Our team worked closely with CHOC's facilities and clinical staff to ensure that each furniture solution supported their specific workflows while never losing sight of the human experience at the heart of pediatric healthcare.
4 solutions from 2 manufacturers
Coact Lounge
Coact lounge balances structure and freeform for congruent spaces that run the spectrum of playfulness to sophistication. Simply offering multiple levels of private and social settings empowers people to choose how they achieve their day.
Boost
Navigating a day of focus, learning, sharing and socializing usually results in visiting a variety of spaces. Look down for a minute and there you will see Boost in numerous shapes and sizes with thoughtful touches that contribute to the ensuing laughs, conversations and productivity. And, the subtle, non-disruptive motion of Boost active creates movement for a fun and engaging touchdown.
Nineteen20
Cinque
Cinque is practical contract seating with a modern residential spin. Low and mid-back models paired with five different base options combine comfort and utility to create a seating classic.
4 professionals brought this vision to life
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